Family is what you make it

Although I like the thought of the Cleavers and the white picket fence, life has taken our family far from that. From grandparents who left this world long before all of my children could meet them to the other set that lives close by but chooses not to be apart of their lives on a regular basis, to families having squabbles and deciding they no longer want their family as their family. Kind of like a buffet. Luckily for my husband and myself we will be married for 25 years this coming October, have had 5 biological children while raising my biological nephew as one of our own from the age of 18 months, as well as including all of the childcare children we have watched as well as our children's friends over the years as part of our family. We always say once you visit Marksville you are family for life.

As my husband and I age we have made it even more important to take time out for family. Of course not we have to juggle our younger children with our older children's schedules as well as making time to spend time with our two grand daughters. On top of that we have a Saint Bernard, Mama cat and a mix of 4 of her kittens from her two litters, as well as my daughters beta fish. 

In a few weeks our third child will be graduating and moving on with life, joining her older siblings in the world on her own, but knowing if she ever needs support we will be here for her. Another step toward parenting and being a family, learning to let go. 

For your little kids:

1. Lily's Driftwood Bay 2. The Tigger Movie 3. Guess How Much I Love You: S1E5 Big Like You 4. Angelina Ballerina: Superstar Sisters

For your big kids:

1. Crash & Bernstein 2. Life with Boys 3. Spy Kids 4. Russell Madness (Available 5/10)

And for teens and adults:

1. Raising Hope 2. The Fosters 3. Gilmore Girls 4. Life Unexpected

New on Netflix for Kids and Families

1. All Hail King Julien (new episodes 4/3) 2. Littlest Pet Shop: Season 3 (4/21) 3. Lalaloopsy: Festival of Sugary Sweets (5/2) 4. Puss in Boots (new episodes 5/8) 5. H20 Mermaid Adventures (5/22) 6. Richie Rich: Season 2 (5/22) 7. Mako Mermaids: Season 3 (5/29)

What MarksvilleandMe has been watching lately.

We have been super busy so we didn't really get to watch many of our shows this month but we do have them in our Que to watch on a rainy or less busy day.

We have been watching Z Nation, Between, Residue, Bates Motel, Hart of Dixie, God's Not Dead, Box Trolls, Super Natural, while waiting for new episodes of Bitten, The 100, Hemlock Grove and many others. I add more shows to my play list then I can go through in a given month but give me a few days of being ill and I will plow right through a bunch.

Some movies and shows we would like to watch soon are Grace and Frankie, Wizard Paws,When Calls the Heart. I would also like to see NetFlix get other movies and shows they don't already have for instance they have Joy Ride 3 but not 2 or the first one, as well as Grimm, and Big Bang Theory.

#StreamTeam

Disclosure: MarksvilleandMe is a part of Netflix Stream Team receiving free streaming service and other gifts through out the year in exchange for us blogging about Netflix and Netflix streaming services.

Classic Harbor Line - Boston

See Boston like you never have on this 2 hour sail aboard the Adirondack III, a wooden 80-foot pilot schooner. Within five minutes of leaving the dock, you'll forget the mayhem and noise of the City, and you'll feel the relaxing breeze of Boston Harbor! Give your child an experience that is safe, fun and unique! Join us for a Day Sail! 

Have you been to Boston? If not you might want to check out the Classic Harbor Line and see the sights from the water before enjoying them from the streets.

For my Readers  Save 15% Off Classic Harbor Line Cruises at http://www.boston-sailing.com/ Use Promo Code: Mom2015

You can find out more about Classic harbor Line Cruises on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with USFG and Classic Harbor Line. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Classic Harbor Line - New York

Are you ready for something new this summer? 

Family Friendly Boat Tours of Manhattan Dedicated to helping locals and visitors alike enjoy the unique wonders of New York City, Classic Harbor Line hopes for the privilege of escorting you on a relaxing, inspiring and breathtaking sightseeing cruise through the waters we proudly call home. Our classic yachts - the Schooner Adirondack & Adirondack III and the Schooner America 2.0 (our sailboats), and the Luxury Yacht Manhattan (our motorized yacht) are reminiscent of the classic boats that cruised New York Harbor a hundred years ago.

Check out what is in store below.




For my Readers 

receive 15% off each ticket purchased at www.sail-nyc.com using ONLINE promo code Mom2015 - Valid for any Day Sail, Sunset Sail, City Lights Sail aboard Schooner Adirondack, Schooner America 2.0 OR any Cruise aboard our 1920's style motor yacht: Yacht Manhattan!

You can find out more about Classic Harbor Line on:

Website

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with USFG and Classic harbor line. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

The Ride - NYC

THE RIDE uses New York City and its renowned landmarks as the backdrop for a theatrical event that blurs the boundary between tour and performance. The city becomes a stage, and soon you can't tell where the street ends and the show begins!

THE RIDE gives you a front-row seat to the streets of New York City in a multi-million dollar motor coach that comes equipped with state-of-the-art audio/visual technology, including 40 plasma screen TVs and over 3000 LED lights. Enjoy the performance from the comfort of one-of-a-kind stadium seating and huge panoramic windows.

While navigating a 4.2-mile midtown path, our performers and native New Yorkers alike become performers for THE RIDE, showing guests an entirely new side of New York City they can't see anywhere else.

Check out a sampling of The Ride

Whether you're new to the city or a long-time native, you'll find something to enjoy.

Discount For my Readers

Get On, and Experience the Ride.
$50 OFF Your Next Party with THE RIDE! 
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11739&dealid=1737 @usfg

You can find out more about The Ride on:

Website

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with USFG and The Ride. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Madame Tussauds - New York

Become a star at MADAME TUSSAUDS with over 85,000 square feet of interactive entertainment in the heart of Times Square. There are millions of things to see and do in New York City, but there is only one place where you can get up close with over 200 incredible wax figures of celebrities, historical icons, sports legends and more. From Marilyn Monroe to Barack Obama to Lady Gaga to Carmelo Anthony, there is a star for everyone! Don't miss the thrilling Marvel Super Heroes 4D theater featuring Marvel's legendary Super Heroes. Visit nycwax.com for more information.

A sampling of what Madame Tussauds New York has to offer.

You can find out more about Madame Tussauds on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

flickr

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with USFG and Madame Tussauds - New York. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Six Flags Great Escape Buccaneer Beach 2015

The Great Escape opened the Buccaneer Beach at Splashwater Kingdom officially on May 22, 2015

Our family was invited to be VIP's for the day.

There were three grade school children who entered a coloring contest and one a VIP trip for their whole class to join in on the fun as well.

The Startlight foundation was there with a little boy with an illness and his sister. They had the official job of cutting the ribbon to open Buccaneer Beach for everyone.

The first thing we were greeted with was the sound from the Caribbean.

A photo booth full of pirate booty.

Colorful characters from the park

and of course pirates

For lunch we had a buffet fit for a ship full of pirates.

 Now Buccaneer Beach  
The refreshed and re-themed pirate adventure features pop jets, splash pads, children's slides and water elements offering endless water park fun. The expansion to the upper water park includes new pool deck space and increased shaded water park seating. 

 "We are thrilled to rejuvenate this beloved family attraction in Splashwater Kingdom," said Eric Gilbert, park president, Six Flags Great Escape Resort Properties. "The introduction of Buccaneer Beach is in direct response to our guests' feedback and will breathe new life into this historic area of our beautiful water park." 

Bring:
Sunscreen
Towels
Sunglasses



What I would make better: 
more handicapped accessible, bigger seats for those who are on the larger size as well as more benches through out the park for people to sit and rest. 

Just a few of the Attractions at Six FlagsGreat Escape

After fun in the sun at Buccaneer Beach we headed over to

White Water Bay Indoor Water Park

This is the second time we have been here and the kids had just as much fun as the first time. We even got my husband to go into the hot tub and lazy river.

You can see more pictures of our trip on Facebook.

Season Passes are on sale now for as low as $59.99 and when you buy four or more you receive free parking at The Great Escape. For more information about upcoming 2015 Six Flags rides and attractions, including a video highlighting the new rides and attractions, visit www.sixflags.com/2015news.

You can find out more about Six Flags Great Escape on:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

@SixFlagsGreatEscape

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with USFG and Six Flags. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.